US defense company Covenant has opened a new production facility in Leipzig focusing on the manufacturing of long-range cruise missiles. According to the company, series production of the Anthem weapon system is scheduled to begin in 2027.
In the first year of production, around 1,000 missiles are expected to be manufactured. Capacity is set to increase significantly in the second year, with Covenant planning to produce up to 5,000 units.
According to company CEO Michael Kaufman, Leipzig is set to become the defense company’s largest production site worldwide. From Saxony, Covenant plans to supply customers all across Europe.
The establishment of the production facility is also expected to create several hundred jobs. In addition to its new Leipzig site, Covenant operates production facilities in Texas, and in Israel.
Cruise Missile Designed for Precision Strikes
The Anthem system is a long-range cruise missile designed for so-called “deep-strike” missions. These missions involve precision strikes against targets deep inside enemy territory.
The missile can carry a warhead weighing up to 200 kilograms. Only the individual missiles themselves are to be assembled in Leipzig, and according to Covenant, the explosives will only be loaded at the respective customer or deployment location.
Production Facility in the North of Leipzig
The new production facility is located in the north of Leipzig and covers more than 10,000 square meters. Covenant has leased an existing commercial building for the site.
However, further regulatory approvals are still required before production can actually begin. Among other things, the building’s current use as a warehouse must be converted to use as a production facility.
With the opening of the facility, Covenant has taken an important step toward establishing its European manufacturing operation. The actual start of production remains scheduled for 2027.
